In addition to building state-of-the-art theatres, a women and children’s hub and a new emergency department, the Andrews Labor Government will boost accessibility and safety at the Ballarat Base Hospital by creating two new entrances separating emergency vehicles and the public.

Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford today released artist impressions of the new main entry off Sturt Street, which is being delivered as part of the massive $541.6 million redevelopment.

The new main entry will improve access for patients, families and emergency vehicles and deliver urgently-needed short-term parking and safe drop-off zones.

Community views have shaped the designs of the redevelopment with locals contributing more than 1,000 responses through online surveys and workshops.

The community engagement report released today highlights major priorities for the redevelopment, including more short-term carparking, more open spaces, better signage and safer access for the public.

To deliver an expanded hospital that meets future health needs, two properties on Sturt Street are in the process of being secured. This will enable the construction of a large new emergency department at ground level and address current issues around congestion and parking.

Construction of the first stage is underway, with the demolition of Eildon House and the Edward Wilson Building.

Once work is complete, the upgraded hospital will feature a new emergency department, a women and children’s hub, state-of-the-art theatre suite, expanded ICU, new endoscopy suites consulting rooms as well as an extra 100 inpatient and short stay beds.

The hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients, an extra 14,500 inpatients per year and boost capacity for an extra 4,000 surgeries per year, in the process creating 1,400 local constructions jobs.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley

“Our $541.6 million redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital will mean thousands more locals will get the care they need close to home.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford

“We’re delivering a hospital that will meet the needs of the growing community – state-of-the-art theatres, a new emergency department, a women and children’s hub, expanded ICU, new endoscopy suites and an extra 100 beds.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The community’s input has been critical to ensuring the redevelopment reflects the people it serves. We’re well on the way to delivering a world-class hospital that will meet the future health needs of our community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“The lack of short-term parking and poor accessibility were all major issues – we’ve listened, and this is reflected in the new design of our hospital.”